Expedition team explores unknown valleys of Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 22 (UNI) A 30-member trekking expedition team returned here after undertaking a ten day exploration programme in the Tulail and Gurez valleys in north Kashmir.

This was the second reconnaissance expedition of the Kashmir University students to these picturesque valleys.

The team, led by Kashmir University adventure sports coach Mohammad Yousuf, undertook day treks to Chorwan, Anzbari Nallah, Kesar Nallah aand Mount Habba Khatoon in Gurez.

The team also trekked intensively in remote areas of Tulail valley.

The students studied the socio-economic status and other related issues of the residents of Purana Tulail, Saraab, Badugam and Badub villages. Besides, interaction with Dard-Shin people also helped the students.

The inhabitants of Tulail valley lead a miserable life and face many hardships such as medical aid deficiency, lack of agricultural products marketing, transport facilities and lack of fire fighting engines.

A student, Mushtaq Ahmed, said the people of the valley remain cut off from rest of the state for nearly seven months.

''The only work people do there is to grow potatoes and collect firewoood. Most of the women die in pregnancy due to poor medical facilities,'' he added.

The team further said there was tremendous potential for cultural and adventure tourism. ''There is a playfield for wild water rafting and kayaking, paragliding, parasailing, ski-touring and trekking. With the construction of a road from Dawar to Drass, mountain cycling and other motor sports were also possible,'' it added.

A trekkng expedition from Sonamarg to Bandipur via Jawdor, Tulail, Gurez, Zadkhusi could be fascinating for tourists, according to the team.

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